In 2009, SFP commenced a strategic FIP in the Indian Ocean to support fishery-level improvements in the longline tuna fisheries of Sri Lanka. This engagement arose from a roundtable of key United Kingdom (UK) tuna buyers and their suppliers convened by SFP in Brussels in April 2010.

The Indian Ocean longline tuna fishery presents several challenges:

Bigeye and yellowfin tuna biomass trajectories indicate that the spawning stock biomass is currently slightly above the MSY level, but it has been declining since the 1980s.

Similarly, the current fishing mortality exerted in bigeye tuna is estimated be to just below the MSY level, but has been increasing steadily since the 1980s. In yellowfin, fishing mortality is at present at MSY level but was exceeded for the previous 4 years.

Catch reporting is still weak in some RFMO member countries and IUU continues to be a major issue. (Note – In 2014 the EU issued Sri Lanka with a yellow card for failing to comply with IOTC Directives.)

Bycatch of many species is a concern, particularly of pelagic sharks, which in several cases are of conservation concern as they are listed by IUCN as “vulnerable” or “endangered.”

SFP did the exploratory work to examine deficiencies in the fishery with the host country and producers through spring 2010, after which it operationalized the FIP workplan needed to start the improvement work. This is the first of many FIPs on the same stocks of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Indian Ocean region that together will yield stock-level improvements with a common set of expectations and rules for fisheries and markets alike.

The United Kingdom (UK) preferentially consumes three species of fish: cod, salmon, and tuna. Historically, around 80 percent of the fresh tuna exported from Sri Lanka was consumed in the UK. However, in 2011 this percentage declined to approximately 25 percent, and the market in other European countries increased. Therefore, while there is still a mutual interest among UK retailers and fresh tuna importers in the sustainability of the tuna fisheries, the FIP is looking to extend its participation to other companies in continental Europe.

Executed MoU between DFAR, FIP Funders, NARA and SLSEA on the Sri Lanka Fisheries Scientific Observer Pilot Programme, setting out expectations of each party in the project.

April – September

The DFAR observers trained under the FIP were handed over their insurance, contracts, and appointment letters by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at a ceremony held at the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on 10 September 2014.

Observer deployment anticipated for the 4th quarter of 2014.

Sri Lanka has been given a further 3-month extension to fulfill obligations imposed by the European Union to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices or face a ban on fish exports to EU countries.

Proposal to establish stakeholder group in Sri Lanka to help coordinate and facilitate work on the ground (SLSEA, DFAR, and vessel owners).

October – December

The pilot observer program commenced with an initial voyage beginning on October 1. The observer has been trained in IOTC observer requirements and equipped with safety and scientific equipment.

The first Sri Lanka national observer completed a 7-day trip, collecting scientific data on longline fishing activities. The data will contribute to improving the understanding of the fishery and marine environment at national and international levels.

Further pilot trips are being planned with the expectation that the program will be rolled out across the fleet.

“So today, the Commission goes to the next level: we are formally identifying Sri Lanka in the fight against illegal fishing. Fisheries products caught by vessels flagged in Sri Lanka will not be able to enter the EU market after three months' time from now. The Council will, by that time, have the possibility to confirm and extend the depth and scope of the trade measures.”

The FIP is drafting a 2015 workplan, which will focus on addressing the issues identified by the EU in addition to previously identified improvements, including compliance and elimination of IUU.

2015

January

FIP has signed agreements with NARA and CINEC for finalizing the training of the observers participating in the pilot observer program supporting DFAR.